325 Radiator Differences

[jamesc]

Hi Guys,

I need to get a new rad for my car. It currently doesn't have aircon but I am going to be fitting it over the winter.

I've seen on the Euro Car Parts website there are 2 different rads, one for aircon cars and one for non aircons cars, anyone know the difference? They are the same price but different part numbers.

Cheers, James

[jmc330i]

Aircon rad is taller (top to bottom), but will fit straight in - I have one in my Sport (non aircon car).

[E30Mark]

aircon rad also has the threaded boss in the side for the additional temp sender.

[DanThe]

Is the air-con rad not wider aswell?

Ive always thought so

[mattG]

so why is it different, have an air con kit my self to fit into a 325 auto sport

[DanThe]

so why is it different

It has to be larger because of the air-con condensor rad sitting infront and partially blocking the air flow

[mattG]

aircon rad also has the threaded boss in the side for the additional temp sender.

what is the additional sensor for? and is this the engine rad or the condenser rad you are referring to mark?

[DanThe]

He's on about the cooling rad, the additional sensor is the fan switch

[mattG]

He's on about the cooling rad, the additional sensor is the fan switch

for the electric fan on the aicon rad?

[DanThe]

Yep

[jmc330i]

Is the air-con rad not wider aswell?

Ive always thought so

I didnt change the rad mounts so would say they are the same width.

Let me just check - I have both.

[DanThe]

Is the air-con rad not wider aswell?

Ive always thought so

I didnt change the rad mounts so would say they are the same width.

Let me just check - I have both.

Nice one

[jmc330i]

Both rads same width, same depth, aircon rad taller.
Would get a photo but its dark, raining and there doesnt seem much point

so why is it different, have an air con kit my self to fit into a 325 auto sport

You will need a different rad again, because you need the auto rad with the trans cooler fittings on the side. Its actually what I have fitted to my Sport with the trans cooler fittings blocked off.

[mattG]

Same width, same depth.
Would get a photo but its dark, raining and there doesnt seem much point

so why is it different, have an air con kit my self to fit into a 325 auto sport

You will need a different rad again, because you need the auto rad with the trans cooler fittings on the side. Its acutally what I have fitted to my Sport with the trans cooler fittings blocked off.

how much would the engine cooling be affected if i left the standard rad in?

[DanThe]

Cheers JMC

[jmc330i]

how much would the engine cooling be affected if i left the standard rad in?

I would say the engine will run hotter because of the extra work its doing running the AC compressor, especially when the AC is running flat out - how much hotter would be anyones guess. You will need the extra leccy fan anyway, so you could try it and see how hot it runs and if its too hot, change to the right rad.
As a thought, I dont know the size the AC leccy fan, so it might not fit the non-AC rad.

[mattG]

cheers fella will do the suck it and see way

[Brianmoooore]

aircon rad also has the threaded boss in the side for the additional temp sender.

I've found that all replacement rads seem to have the boss fitted, although original non aircon ones don't.

[jamesc]

Cool thank guys. Looks like I will get the aircon rad - and I guess I need to get the sensor as well otherwise I will just have a hole?

James

[jmc330i]

I guess I need to get the sensor as well otherwise I will just have a hole?

I got my rad from ECP - temp sensor hole has a bung in it. Will be fitting a temp sensor for the leccy fan though.

[Brianmoooore]

Yes, they come complete with brass bung.

[miniblob]

Think i need to get me one of these aircon rads - wasn't aware of that!! Any guide on roughly how much they are??

[DanThe]

Approx Ԛ£80 + VAT I think. From ECP

[kevo]

i've got one off a 325 1987 car in my back garden going cheap if you're interested?
Kevo

[jmc330i]

ECP prices...
Manual with aircon - 109.80 inc Vat
Auto with aircon - 106.73 inc Vat

Free delivery.

[abelai]

Just got one from eurocarparts today man with a/c ECP No. 203110660
BMW No. 17111712 Ԛ£64 + VAT total Ԛ£75.20 and they had to order that special don't know where they are getting their prices from but damn cheap

Their website lists them as a lot more!

[DanThe]

That was the big air-con rad?

Cheapy cheap cheap!

[abelai]

Yep the air con rad thats 4" taller and the temp sensor bung on the drivers side just like the picture in the thread box has hella and beru on it made in germany. That was in Cardiff but they had to order one special as they didn't have one in the country so try ordering it asap if you want one. The parts numbers were on the receipt and the BMW one checks out with etk as being correct.

[DanThe]

Bloody hell, phone call to Euro in the morning then